Sketch of Rape Suspect Released

(BLOOMINGTON) – The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has released a composite sketch of the suspect in a reported rape that occurred during the early morning hours of Tuesday between 3:30 a.m. and 4:15 a.m.

The sheriff’s office says the sketch was completed Friday afternoon with the assistance of the Indiana State Police.

Officers say it’s not necessarily an exact illustration of the suspect, but it may be possible to recognize certain features in the illustration that might match someone you know.

The victim told detectives the suspect has a birthmark near his right eye and he’s described as being 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a thin build. He has blonde or light brown hair that is shoulder length on the sides and back, but it’s thinning or bald on top. The survivor described the suspect’s age as possibly being in his mid-40s.

Police say that the 18-year-old woman told officers she was headed to a friend’s house when her car broke down near the intersection of Tapp Road and Rayle Place between 3:30 a.m. and 4:15 a.m. and her phone died. A motorist in a light blue passenger car stopped to “assist” and assaulted the victim inside his vehicle.

That man originally offered to put gas in her car.

After filling up the gas tank as she was walking back to her car he came up behind her and restrained her, pulled her back to his car, and sexually assaulted her in the backseat of the man’s vehicle.

After the assault, the man left her on the ground and drove away.

Anyone with information that may help authorities can call Monroe County Sheriff’s Department Detective Jeff Ripley at 812-349-2861 or send an email to investigations@co.monroe.in.us.